The Life You Save Maybe Your Own
In the short story, ?the Life You Save May Be Your Own?, by Flannery O?Connor the author takes the reader down into the depths of a desolate area, symbolically described as a crater that is filled with the innocence of an old woman and her daughter, Mrs. Lucynell Crater Sr. and Miss. Lucynell Crater Jr. Within the depths of this setting O?Connor introduces the character of Mr. Shiflet, who is described by the old woman to be nothing more than, ??a tramp and no one to be afraid of.? (O?Connor 216). Through the use of symbolism and foreshadowing O?Connor not only unveils the true identity of this misfit, but also creates the classical theme of innocence overturned by the manipulation of a con artist. A misfit that preys on the trust and kindness of a fallen family isolated from the world in which they live. This is a realist view of modern society in which people in positions of power and authority constantly over turn the weak, helpless, and innocent.
In modern society the weak, helpless, and innocent are constantly preyed upon, and within the story of, ?The Life You Save May Be Your Own? the essence
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